ROCKWALL —
The Rockwall County Commissioners Court approved the movement of $500,000 to help cover the 2013 budget deficit of more than $1 million July 17.
The decision could also cause a tax increase in the 2014 and 2015 fiscal year.
“We are not pulling money from the general reserve,” County Judge Jerry Hogan said. “It’s money we’ve been saving from the I and S (Interest and Sinking) side.”
The I and S tax rate, also known as the debt service tax rate, combines with the Maintenance and Operations fund (M and O) to pay for all county services. There are two potential tax rate increase possibilities.
The first possibility would instill a one cent on every $100 at the start of the 2014 fiscal year with another one cent increase in the fiscal year of 2015.
“This will allow us to accumulate monies that will allow us to grow in the same small amount we have been,” Hogan said.
The court also looked at applying a straight two cent tax raise, but opted for the two year plan.
Vice President of finance company First Southwest, Marti Shew said the rate increase should not have any long term ramifications for the county.
“Every year the county has to make decisions in terms of how to deal with the budget,” she said. “These will be in place until the growth of the county can offset it and tax rate is lowered.”
The motion carried 3-2 with Hogan and Precinct One County Commissioner Jerry Wimpee dissenting.
Problems with pigeons at the Rockwall County Courthouse continued to plague the commissioners court as well. A spokesperson for Avian Flyaway presented the court with information on an electrified fence that will give the birds a shock without harming them. The system is designed to be permanent and would cost the county $49,990.
“I think we need to open the bid up and let any company that wants to solve the problem bid on it,” Hogan said.
The court decided to look at this issue in future meetings as more bids become available.
The court also looked at the county’s participation in the Texas film industry. Precinct Four County Commissioner David Magness said the industry is alive and well.
“Our location next to Dallas is going to bring some of that this way,” he said. “Both the original “Dallas” and “Walker, Texas Ranger” have filmed in the county.”
Magness said the most likely opportunity the county will have revolves around the Rockwall County Courthouse.
“There could be a major TV drama filmed there,” he said.
Precinct Two County Commissioner Lorie Grinnan said although she has heard complaints about members of the film industry not cleaning up the set after they leave she thinks preparations need to be made.
Wimpee said it is something that will have to be decided on a case-by-case basis.
“I think its good publicity,” Hogan said. “I think it brings attention to the county.”
The court will meet again on July 24.
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Commissioners move $500,000 to help cover deficit
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